Description

This vibrant, flavor-packed salad combines seasoned ground beef, fresh greens, crunchy tortilla chips, and a variety of toppings like cheese, avocado, and salsa. Drizzled with a zesty dressing, it’s a satisfying, hearty salad that brings all the flavors of a taco into a healthy, refreshing dish. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner with a Mexican twist!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 lb ground beef: This is the main protein in the salad. You can use lean ground beef (85% lean) for a healthier option, or go for a higher-fat content if you prefer more flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the ground beef and adding a bit of healthy fat.
1 packet taco seasoning: The seasoning mix adds all the necessary spices to the beef, giving it that classic taco flavor. Alternatively, you can use homemade taco seasoning.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture that contrasts perfectly with the crisp veggies and crunchy chips.
1 avocado, diced: Avocado adds creaminess and richness to the salad while offering healthy fats.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, tomatoes provide a refreshing burst of flavor.
1 cup red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and crunch, giving the salad an extra layer of flavor and color.
1 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Red onions bring a sharp bite that complements the richness of the beef and avocado.
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Romaine lettuce is a great base for the salad because of its crunch and mild flavor.
1 cup tortilla chips: Crushed into small pieces to add a satisfying crunch to the salad. You can also use taco-sized chips for extra texture.

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang to the dressing.
1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Helps create a smooth, rich base for the dressing.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a refreshing tang and brightens the flavor of the dressing.
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): For a little extra heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for a fresh and herby finish.
Jalapeños: Sliced, for those who enjoy a bit of extra heat.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo: For additional flavor and freshness.
Lime wedges: For squeezing over the salad just before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.

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Instructions

First Step: COOK THE BEEF

Prepare the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet (or homemade seasoning mix) to the beef, along with a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Stir well to coat the beef in the seasoning. Simmer the beef for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.

Second Step: PREPARE THE DRESSING

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE SALAD

Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as the base of your salad. The lettuce provides the crunch and freshness that complements the savory beef and creamy dressing.
Add the Veggies: Top the lettuce with the diced cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and diced avocado. These vegetables not only add vibrant color to the salad but also bring a variety of textures and flavors that balance the richness of the beef.
Add the Beef: Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the top of the vegetables. Make sure the beef is spread out evenly across the salad to ensure each bite is full of flavor.
Top with Cheese and Chips: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, and then add the crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch. The chips add that perfect taco-like texture and extra flavor.

Fourth Step: DRIZZLE WITH DRESSING AND SERVE

Add the Dressing: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top of the salad, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly. You can also serve the dressing on the side if you prefer each person to add their own.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a few extra lime wedges. Serve immediately while the beef is still warm and the chips are crispy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g